Search

The present study was carried out to determine some physicochemical, composition and sensory attributes of early-ripening peach varieties: “Filina” (peach), “Gergana” (nectarine), and “Ufo-4” (flat peach). Fruit weight, shape and size, as well as color and firmness were evaluated. Image analysis was used to describe properties such as length, width, thickness, etc. Skin hue ranged from 33.45±10.70 to 42.75±29.87. Dry matter (%), ash content (%), total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, total sugar content, and protein content were employed to characterize the studied varieties. Results showed differences in all properties of the types. Ash content varied from 0.45±0.04% to 0.96±0.12% and pH from 3.95 to 4.46. “Gergana” had the lowest total soluble solids. A trained descriptive sensory panel evaluated the peach varieties in five categories with a total of twenty-five attributes. The fruit attributes were evaluated by a 15-point ascending scale. The panellists detected differences between varieties in each of the categories (aroma, texture, taste, internal and external appearance). These results offer and highlight new data in terms of early-ripening peach variety properties.A trained descriptive sensory panel evaluated the peach varieties in five categories with a total of twenty-five attributes. The fruit attributes were evaluated by a 15-point scale, in which 15 equals more of an attribute. The panelists detected differences between genotypes in each of the categories (aroma, texture, taste, internal and external appearance). These results offer and highlight new data in terms of early-ripening peach variety properties.

Purpose: Recently, there are researches showed positive effects of nano-chitosan in prolonging the postharvest quality and shelf life of strawberry, however, influences of storage temperatures on the nano-chitosan coated fruit have been overlooked. Therefore, in this work, changes of physiological traits of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) coated with 0.2% nano-chitosan and stored at different temperatures were studied. Research Method: Strawberry was coated with 0.2% nano-chitosan and stored at different temperatures (2°C, 5°C, 10°C and 25°C) for 12 days. The effects of temperatures on the coated fruits were tested by measuring visual quality, weight loss, antioxidant properties, malondialdehyde content, firmness, total soluble solid, polyphenol oxidase activity in three days intervals. Findings: After storing 0.2% nano-chitosan coated strawberry at four different temperatures, 2°C showed the most effective one as maintaining the overall quality of strawberry higher than the acceptable/marketable level after 12 days; meanwhile, fruits stored at 25°C were quickly decayed after 3 days. The treatments at low temperatures (2°C, and 5°C) significantly reduced weight loss, maintained firmness, total soluble solid, polyphenol oxidase activity and malondialdehyde content of the stored fruits. Limitations: Nano-chitosan has not been widely traded. Originality/Value: Coating strawberry with nano-chitosan and storing at 2°C effectively maintained the postharvest quality of strawberry as well. This treatment is quite simple and would be useful for stakeholders in the strawberry supply chain.

A 4-year trial was established in Oct. 2016 in western Oregon to evaluate the effects of various in-row mulch treatments on yield, fruit quality, and costs of installation and maintenance during establishment of northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Duke’). The treatments included douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] sawdust, black weed mat (woven polypropylene groundcover), green weed mat, and sawdust covered with black or green weed mat. Fruit were harvested during 2018–20 (second through fourth growing seasons). Weed mat color had no effect on yield or fruit quality. In 2018, yield was higher with black weed mat over sawdust mulch than with black weed mat alone, whereas mulch had no effects during 2019 and 2020, or on cumulative yield. Percent total soluble solids in the berries was highest with sawdust and weed mat alone compared with weed mat over sawdust mulches, whereas berry weight, diameter, and firmness were unaffected by mulch. Sawdust was the most expensive mulch over the lifespan of the planting because it required replenishment after 2 years. Black weed mat over sawdust resulted in the highest net profit when fruit sales and cost of materials and labor were considered.

The aim of this study was to determine the possible extent of changes in the composition and physicochemical properties of unmodified milk fat (UMF) and to evaluate the influence of such modifications on the crystallization of solid fractions (SF) and liquid fractions (LF) obtained from UMF by dry fractionation at a temperature of 30°C, 25°C, and 20°C. The evaluation was based on the results of gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), firmness/hardness values measured with a texture analyzer, and optical microscopy analysis. The results of the above analyses, in particular the evaluation of fatty acid (FA) composition, revealed that dry fractionation produces fractions with different composition and different ratios of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). These variations also induced differences in the physicochemical properties of the analyzed samples, mostly changes in melting and solidification curves, as well as differences in the microstructure of milk fat (MF) analyzed under a microscope at a temperature of 10°C. The present findings indicate that FA composition is clearly correlated with firmness/hardness and the microscopically determined crystallization of MF and its fractions.

The main aim of this study was to compare the values of selected textural attributes of commercial butter measured with the AP 4/2 cone penetrometer (VEB Feinmess, Germany) and TA.XT Plus texture analyzer (Stable Micro Systems, United Kingdom). Before the analysis, butter samples were stored at a temperature of 8.0 ± 0.5°C for 7 days. The samples were tempered in a water bath in the Binder KB 115 cooled incubator (10.0 ± 0.5°C) for 24 h before the measurements to stabilize their temperature. A total of 18 butter samples with 82% fat content were analyzed. This study demonstrated that butter produced in winter can differ in textural parameters. The results of the measurements conducted with all instruments and probes were highly correlated, and the correlation coefficient reached r = 0.7–0.9 at p

A 6-year trial was established in Oct. 2015 in western Oregon to evaluate the effects of pruning and trellising on yield, hand- and machine-harvest efficiency, fruit quality, and costs of pruning and harvest of ‘Legacy’ highbush blueberry (complex hybrid based largely on Vaccinium corymbosum L. and Vaccinium darrowii Camp.). Pruning treatments began in Winter 2017–18 (before year 3) and continued each year through 2020–21 (year 6). Treatments included 1) recommended pruning for ‘Legacy’, removing less wood and leaving more short, thin laterals and a denser bush than is typical for most northern highbush cultivars (“control” with standard T-trellis), 2) control pruning and training to a V-trellis (“V”), and 3) standard northern highbush style pruning (“HB” with standard T-trellis). Fruit were harvested solely by hand in 2017 and 2018, and by hand for early harvests followed by machine for later harvests from 2019 to 2021. In most years, more wood was removed from HB- than control-pruned plants. On average, HB-pruned plants had a lower yield (6.7 kg/plant) than control-pruned plants, particularly those trained to a V-trellis (7.5 kg/plant). There was little effect of pruning treatment on fruiting season and hand- (7% drop) or machine-harvest efficiency (23% drop). Pruning method had no effect on berry weight, diameter, total soluble solids, or firmness over the study period or percent internal bruising in 2019. All of the ‘Legacy’ pruning methods studied required more time (358 to 561 h·ha−1) than the industry standard, ‘Duke’ (247 h·ha−1). Control and HB pruning did not differ in time to prune per unit area; however, in 2 of the 4 years, adding a V-trellis increased pruning time. On average, control and HB pruning had a similar cost per harvested fruit ($0.20 to $0.21/kg), whereas control pruning with a V-trellis ($0.23/kg) cost more than HB pruning. All treatments required the same amount of time to harvest (12.7 and 0.5 min·kg−1 for hand and machine picking, respectively). Total cost to prune and harvest ranged from $1.63/kg in 2019 to $3.43/kg in 2021 but was most heavily influenced by harvest costs rather than pruning. The one-time installation cost of $637/ha for the V-trellis was not compensated for by increased yield or efficiency of pruning or harvest compared with the control method with a standard T-trellis. Pruning according to recommended methods for ‘Legacy’ (control) increased yield without having a negative effect on fruit quality and had similar or lower costs to prune per kg of fruit harvested as typical northern highbush pruning.

The present study was carried to optimize the processing conditions for Himalayan cheese–chhurpi, using response surface methodology in order to develop the product with optimum yield and desirable sensory properties. A central composite rotatable design was used and the independent process variables chosen were inoculum concentration, incubation time, incubation temperature and drying time. The responses analyzed were chhurpi yield, firmness, acidity, and sensory property. The optimum conditions derived were inoculum concentration 35 g, incubation time 9.85 h, incubation temperature 29.76 °C and drying time 26.05 h. In addition, proximate composition, structural characteristics and thermal properties of the optimized chhurpi were also determined. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of amide I and II group of proteins, CO ester carbonyl group of lipids, C−H and C−O stretches. Thermal analysis showed the presence of two endothermic peaks. The first peak at 17.78 °C and the second one at 36.44 °C.

Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is popular with consumers over the world due to its special flavor. Soluble solids content (SSC) and firmness are two key metrics for evaluating the product qualities. In this work, we develop non-destructive testing techniques for SSC and fruit firmness based on hyperspectral images and the corresponding deep learning regression model. Hyperspectral reflectance images of over 200 tomato fruits are derived with the spectrum ranging from 400 to 1,000 nm. The acquired hyperspectral images are corrected and the spectral information are extracted. A novel one-dimensional (1D) convolutional ResNet (Con1dResNet) based regression model is proposed and compared with the state of art techniques. Experimental results show that, with a relatively large number of samples our technique is 26.4% better than state of art technique for SSC and 33.7% for firmness. The results of this study indicate the application potential of hyperspectral imaging technique in the SSC and firmness detection, which provides a new option for non-destructive testing of cherry tomato fruit quality in the future.

Melatonin has been reported to have an important role in fruit ripening, although the effect of pre-harvest melatonin treatment on sweet cherry quality properties during storage is still unknown. In the present experiments, the effects of melatonin (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 Mm) by foliar spray treatments of ‘Prime Giant’ and ‘Sweet Heart’ sweet cherry trees on fruit quality traits and antioxidants systems during storage was evaluated. Results showed that these treatments reduced weight losses during storage, as well as losses in firmness and titratable acidity. In addition, changes in fruit colour and total soluble solid content were also delayed in fruit from melatonin treated trees with respect to controls. Moreover, in general, total phenolic and anthocyanin concentrations were higher in fruit from treated trees than in those from control ones, either at harvest or during the whole storage period. Finally, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase was also enhanced as a consequence of melatonin treatment. Overall results show that pre-harvest melatonin treatment delayed the post-harvest ripening process of sweet cherry fruit, leading to maintenance of their quality properties in optimum levels for consumption 2 weeks more with respect to fruit from control trees. Antioxidant systems, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic ones, were also enhanced by melatonin treatments, which would account for the delay on fruit post-harvest ripening process and fruit quality maintenance during storage.

Along with sugar accumulation and colour development, softening is an important physiological change during the onset of ripening in fruits. In this work, we investigated the relationships among major events during softening in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) by quantifying elasticity in individual berries. In addition, we delayed softening and inhibited sugar accumulation using a mechanical growth-preventing treatment in order to identify processes that are sugar and/or growth dependent. Ripening processes commenced on various days after anthesis, but always at similarly low elasticity and turgor. Much of the softening occurred in the absence of other changes in berry physiology investigated here. Several genes encoding key cell wall-modifying enzymes were not up-regulated until softening was largely completed, suggesting softening may result primarily from decreases in turgor. Similarly, there was no decrease in solute potential, increase in sugar concentration, or colour development until elasticity and turgor were near minimum values, and these processes were inhibited when berry growth was prevented. Increases in abscisic acid occurred early during softening and in the absence of significant expression of the V. vinifera 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases. However, these increases were coincident with decreases in the abscisic acid catabolite diphasic acid, indicating that initial increases in abscisic acid may result from decreases in catabolism and/or exogenous import. These data suggest that softening, decreases in turgor, and increases in abscisic acid represent some of the earliest events during the onset of ripening. Later, physical growth, further increases in abscisic acid, and the accumulation of sugar are integral for colour development.

Breeding for decreased fruit cracking incidence and increased fruit firmness in sweet cherry creates an attractive alternative to variable results from cultural management practices. DNA-informed breeding increases its efficiency, yet upstream research is needed to identify the genomic regions associated with the trait variation of a breeding-relevant magnitude, as well as to identify the parental sources of favorable alleles. The objectives of this research were to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with fruit cracking incidence and firmness, estimate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes at the detected QTLs, and identify the ancestral source(s) of functional haplotypes. Fruit cracking incidence and firmness were evaluated for multiple years on 259 unselected seedlings representing 22 important breeding parents. Phenotypic data, in conjunction with genome-wide genotypic data from the RosBREED cherry 6K SNP array, were used in the QTL analysis performed via Pedigree-Based Analysis using the FlexQTL™ software, supplemented by a Genome-Wide Association Study using the BLINK software. Haplotype analysis was conducted on the QTLs to identify the functional SNP haplotypes and estimate their phenotypic effects, and the haplotypes were tracked through the pedigree. Four QTLs (two per trait) were consistent across the years and/or both analysis methods and validated the previously reported QTLs. qCrack-LG1.1m (the label given to a consistent QTL for cracking incidence on chromosome 1) explained 2–15.1% of the phenotypic variance, while qCrack-LG5.1m, qFirm-LG1.2m, and qFirm-LG3.2m explained 7.6–13.8, 8.8–21.8, and 1.7–10.1% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. At each QTL, at least two SNP haplotypes had significant effects and were considered putative functional SNP haplotypes. Putative low-cracking SNP haplotypes were tracked to an unnamed parent of 'Emperor Francis' and 'Schmidt' and unnamed parents of 'Napoleon' and 'Hedelfingen,' among others, and putative high-firmness haplotypes were tracked to an unnamed parent of 'Emperor Francis' and 'Schmidt,' an unnamed grandparent of 'Black Republican,' 'Rube,' and an unknown parent of 'Napoleon.' These four stable QTLs can now be targeted for DNA test development, with the goal of translating information discovered here into usable tools to aid in breeding decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a method for nondestructively determining water content and firmness of potatoes using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the visible near-infrared (VIS/NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands. Potatoes were scanned to acquire their hyperspectral images. First derivatives (FD), Savitzky–Golay (SG) smoothing, standard normal variable (SNV) and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were used to process the spectral data. Competitive adaptive weighted sampling (CARS) was employed to extract the effective wavelengths. Prediction models were established using several algorithms. The SG-CARS-partial least-squares regression (PLSR) model presented the best performance in the VIS/NIR band; the corresponding R2P, root mean square error of the prediction set (RMSEP), and residual predictive deviation (RPD) values for water content and firmness were 0.9219 and 0.9118, 0.0034 and 0.0640 Newton (N), and 2.5780 and 2.4353, respectively. In the SWIR band, the FD-CARS-PLSR prediction model performed best; the R2P values for water content and firmness were 0.9313 and 0.9317, respectively, the RMSEP values were 0.0025 and 0.0216 N, and RPD values were 2.7453 and 2.7531. This study confirmed the feasibility of the HSI technology for nondestructively determining water content and firmness of potatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is an important fruit crop; however, its accelerated softening is a critical postharvest problem, even at low temperatures. Its softening has been partially associated with the endogenous production of ethylene from the receptacle during ripening. To understand the relationship between ethylene production and fruit quality at the beginning of the ripening process, the physiological and quality parameters were evaluated during the ripening of the 'Heritage' cultivar. Two storage assays, at 0 °C and 10 °C, were carried out with independent groups of fruits attached to their receptacle at the white stage of fruit development. The treatments included fruit treated with ethylene (1000 ppb) and ethylene perception inhibitor 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP, 1600 ppb) and a control treatment. During ripening, the endogenous production of ethylene in whole fruit was negatively correlated with the loss of firmness. During storage at 0 °C, firmness and ethylene production only decreased by the effect of storage time, with a firmness near 1.5 Newtons at 16 days. On the other hand, the storage at 10 °C showed a delay in the firmness loss and lower ethylene production of the fruit treated with 1-MCP, compared to the control and ethylene-treated fruit. In addition, these two last assays showed a firmness close to 1 Newton at 5 days. No significant differences were observed in the total soluble solids content and titratable acidity between the three treatments at the two storage temperatures. The results during ripening and storage at 10 °C indicate that the loss of the fruit's firmness is positively related to the endogenous ethylene production of the whole fruit from 1 to 5 days of storage. Future assays should be performed to determine the role of ethylene in raspberry ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-destructive and rapid methods for estimating apple firmness are helpful to determine harvesting dates. However, few studies have used an approach of spectral indices for monitoring apple firmness from ground-based handheld hyperspectral data. Therefore, this study analyzed the performance of spectral indices in determining apple firmness based on the spectra of unpeeled apples. The reflectance spectra of apple samples were acquired at wavelength 350–2500 nm. Ten apple varieties were collected from orchards located in seven provinces of China. A two-band combination method (normalized, ratio, and difference type) was used to identify the effective spectral indices. Results showed that the newly developed two-band normalized difference spectral indices (R840 − R841)/(R840 + R841) (Rλ is the reflectance value at wavelength λ) was recommended as the optimal index for monitoring apple firmness, generated the coefficients of determination, root mean square error and residual prediction deviation values between the measured and predicted values of 0.6721, 0.886 kg/cm2, and 1.7, respectively. This study indicated that spectral indices offer low-cost and portable detection of apple fruit firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Oregano essential oil (0–300 ppm)–Aloe vera gel (0–15%) nanoemulsion coating in combination of UV-C irradiation (0–40 s) was evaluated on maintaining quality of fresh lentil sprout during storage at 4 °C. The response surface methodology was adopted in modeling the effect of independent variables on quality changes in lentil sprout. An increase in both Aloe vera gel concentration and UV-C irradiation time yielded higher level of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the coated samples. High Oregano oil concentration and UV-C irradiation time decreased ascorbic acid content of product. Concurrent coating of lentil sprout, next to UV-C irradiation at optimized level of independent variables (6.68% Aloe vera, 78.91 ppm Oregano oil and 29.95 s UV-C irradiation) were effective in reducing the weight loss, microbial and fungal populations. This treatment can maintain tissue firmness, total phenolic, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity of the lentil sprout during cold storage, with no effect on the sensory properties of product. Results obtained here reveal that nanoemulsion coating based on Aloe vera gel and Oregano oil next to UV-C at proper levels could be useful for maintaining lentil sprouts quality and increasing its shelf-life when compared with the untreated sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methodology for analysing textural properties of sugar beet roots in the laboratory has previously been established. It has been shown to be reliable and of value in exploring relationships between textural properties, damage rates, and storability of varieties. In this paper, a methodology for the assessment of textural properties in-field, prior to harvest, using an inexpensive handheld penetrometer is examined. Three sugar beet varieties were grown in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden during 2019. Textural properties were assessed in-field with the handheld penetrometer 2, 1 and 0 months prior to harvest, and with the laboratory penetrometer directly after harvest. Comparison of the results showed generally strong correlations. A power analysis suggests a difference in mean Handheld Pressure of 0.10 MPa could be found significant within a large trial with a block design. The reliability of the handheld penetrometer was further assessed in the Swedish national variety trials over three years (2019-2021). Correlation coefficients of 0.86 and 0.94 were found between mean Handheld Pressure for 2019 and 2020, and 2020 and 2021 respectively. The handheld penetrometer can be applied as an economic means of quantifying differences in textural properties of sugar beet varieties. Clear operating procedure and training must exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the effect of storage temperatures of 7 and 22 °C for 168 h on tomatoes (Charleston cv.) inoculated with 107 CFU mL-1 of the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli pathogroup (ETEC) strain on color indexes (hue angle, h°, and chroma, C*), firmness, titratable acidity (% citric acid), ascorbic acid, total soluble sugars and reducing sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose). ETEC survived with populations of 7 and 9.2 Log CFU g-1 at 7 and 22 °C, respectively until 120 h. Bacterial adherence and colonization under both storage conditions were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The index C* and ascorbic acid had higher values at 22 °C, while the parameters h°, firmness, and citric acid had lower values at the same storage temperature. At 7 °C, the concentration of total soluble sugars was affected; glucose and fructose showed lower values (0.054 and 0.057 g 100 g-1, respectively). Finally, the inoculated fruits exhibited significant differences in the parameters of consumer preference of fresh tomatoes such as color, firmness, sugars, and organic acids, which were affected depending on the storage temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-harvest gibberellic acid (GA3) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) and post-harvest modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications on fruit quality of sweet cherry during the cold storage. At the end of the cold storage, GA3+CaCl2 applications in MAP-applied fruit and CaCl2 in non-MAP-applied fruit significantly delayed weight loss compared to the control. During the cold storage, the decay of CaCl2-applied fruit has not been observed. At the end of cold storage, the a* and firmness values of the fruit treated with GA3 and CaCl2 were significantly higher than the control. The CaCl2-applied fruit had less soluble solids than the control, but they had significantly higher acidity compared to other applications. In MAP, GA3- and CaCl2-applied fruit had higher vitamin C and antioxidant activity values than the control fruit, but their total phenolics were higher. However, the total flavonoids of CaCl2-applied fruit were higher than the control. On fruit in non-MAP, with GA3 application, less anthocyanin was obtained compared to the control. As a result, GA3-treated fruit had a relatively lower bioactive compound content compared to the fruit of the CaCl2 and control applications both during the harvest and the cold storage. However, it has been revealed that GA3 and CaCl2 applications can be used as significant pre-harvest tools to delay the loss of the fruit firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) [0.5 and 1.0 mmol L-1] and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, colour, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity, vitamin C, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP assay) of apricot fruit (Prunus armeniaca) during cold storage. Fruit were stored at 0±0.5°C and 90±5% relative humidity (RH) for 20 days, and analysis and measurements were performed at 5-day intervals. At the end of cold storage, the lowest weight loss was determined in fruit stored with the MAP following MeJA1 application. The lowest respiration rates were determined in fruits stored with the MAP following MeJA1 or MeJA2 treatment. The softening of fruit stored without the MAP or MAP was significantly delayed with the MeJA. The fruit stored without the MAP or MAP following MeJA2 treatment had the highest vitamin C at the end of storage period. MAP treatments had greater total phenolic and total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity than the treatment without MAP regardless of MeJA applications. At the end of storage, the highest total phenolic and antioxidant capacity were determined in fruits stored in the MAP following MeJA2 application. It was concluded that MAP and MeJA2 treatments could be used as an efficient postharvest tool to minimize quality losses throughout the cold storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of chemical- and bio-fertilizers (Nitroxin) on growth parameters, physiological and biochemical attributes, and yield of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) under water stress conditions has been studied. Irrigation was done at 3 levels including 50, 75, and 100% of the water requirement of the cantaloupe plant. Water stress had an adverse effect on plant growth and the application of 120 kg ha−1 chemical fertilizer with Nitroxin in 100% water requirement had the highest growth parameters including fruit weight (1.84 kg) and fruit length (20.71 cm). The highest Malondialdehyde content was observed at 60 kg ha−1 of chemical fertilizer using Nitroxin. Application of Nitroxin had a significant effect on electrolyte leakage, proline content, relative water content, colour, vitamin C, titratable acidity, firmness, and total soluble solids (TSS) during water stress. The highest content of total chlorophyll (5.81 mg g−1 fresh weight) was observed at 100% field capacity with 180 kg ha−1 of chemical fertilizer with Nitroxin. The total phenol content of fruit enhanced by increasing drought stress and a significant difference was observed by application of biological and chemical fertilizers compared to control. Antioxidant enzyme activity including ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase increased during water stress and the application of chemical fertilizer with Nitroxin enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity during stress. Overall, the application of chemical fertilizers and Nitroxin improved growth parameters, physiological and biochemical attributes and yield of cantaloupe plants during water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach is an important stone fruit crop cultivated at commercial scale in Pakistan. While, appropriate selection of rootstock has significant impact on the quality of peach fruit. Therefore, in the current study the influence of three rootstocks viz. 'GF-677′, 'Peshawar Local' and 'Swat Local' were evaluated on the quality of 'Flordaking' peaches following cold storage during two consecutive years. The fruit from these rootstocks were kept at 0 °C for five weeks were studied for various fruit physical (weight loss, colour, firmness) and biochemical (pH, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC:TA ratio, fruit juice pH, sugars (total, reducing and non-reducing sugars), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and free radicals scavenging activities) were evaluated. During both years, fruit harvested form trees grafted on 'GF-677′ exhibited reduced fruit weight loss, changes in Chroma (C *) and highest fruit firmness, Lightness (L*), ascorbic acid contents and radical scavenging activities as compared to fruit harvested from tree grafted on other rootstocks. In conclusion, the post-harvest quality of scion 'Flordaking' peach fruit was significantly influenced and best quality can be obtained when it is grafted on 'GF-677′ rootstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples attract humans with their dominant appeal and eating quality. The most dominant properties are color and texture. This review paper discusses the scientifically published results of apple texture through the understanding of internal properties like structural, physiological, physical, mechanical, water and cell wall contributions and post-harvest handling and storage methods. A critical appraisal is made of factors responsible for inner texture and sustenance during post-harvest and storage periods. The status of research data available is discussed from a firmness point of view of Indian apple varieties vis-à-vis those grown in other countries. Most of the research work on Indian apples reported physico-chemical parameters like weight, diameter, firmness, bio-chemical and nutrient components. Data for the long term in CAS (6 to 10 months) was not found in the latest literature. The research data on factors responsible for texture loss is also very limited for Indian-origin apples. There are still large gaps in research in finding firmness loss. Hence, suggestions are made on the scope for future research on apples grown in India for the benefit of farmers, traders, and ultimately the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highest quality of extra virgin olive oil must be guaranteed to succeed in the competitive market of the industry. To fulfil this need, high standards of fruit quality are required. In recent years, this search has led to the development of computer vision systems for the automatic inspection of fruits. Skin damage, dirtiness, and external colour were the main features selected. However, no known report is related to the internal quality evaluation of olives. The present research explores the application of multispectral images (from 600 to 975 nm) to discriminate olive fruits by their firmness. To achieve this aim, 58 olives were classified as hard or soft by an expert and then measured by a penetrometer. Afterwards, 58 multispectral images were obtained, and 8352 pixels were randomly selected for feature extraction. The feature vector of each pixel was composed of 25 infrared absorption values. These data were input into three supervised classification algorithms: a naïve Bayes (NB) classifier, a multilayer perceptron (MLP), and a support vector machine variation (SMO). The highest performance was achieved by the MLP, with an accuracy of 95% for the firmness grading. Furthermore, the three algorithms were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), by which the MLP was confirmed to be the best model and its results were improved. Moreover, according to the second principal component, the 675 nm and 855 nm band frequencies have the strongest weights. The overall results confirm the convenience of multispectral imaging in olive firmness inspection, with the advantage of being a non-invasive technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The storage of potato tubers, even for short periods, is essential to stabilize the supply of the product on the market. However, it can affect several physicochemical and biochemical properties of the product, negatively impacting its quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of storage time on the physical and biochemical properties of two potato cultivars. Potato tubers of Ágata and Atlantic cultivars were stored at room temperature for 35 days. At 0, 7, 21, and 35 days of storage, analyses of pulp firmness, total soluble sugar content (ºBrix), dry mass content (MS), and tuber mass loss were performed. Also, the activity of the enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), the hydrogen peroxide content (H2O2), total soluble sugars (AT), and reducing sugars (AR) was monitored. The reduction in pulp firmness was linear for both cultivars and is related to the loss of tuber mass. The observed decrease in enzymatic activity is a negative factor as it reduces the ability to defend against oxidative stress. The reduction in the sugar content is interesting, as it maintains the quality of the tubers, especially for industrial processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan could be an alternative to synthetic plant protection chemicals commonly used in strawberry cultivation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chitosan with different molecular weights on the yield, health, and quality of Korona cultivar strawberries. The largest number of strawberries was harvested from plants sprayed with chitosan with a molecular weight of 50k kDa (611 g/plant). On the other hand, the largest (1017 g/100 fruit) and the firmest (225 G mm) strawberries were harvested from plants sprayed with chitosan125k kDa. Compared with the control, chitosan with a molecular weight >50 kDa also increased the contents of l-ascorbic acid and polyphenols and the antioxidant activity and improved fruit colour compared with the control. The plants were also more resistant to grey mould infestation. The experiment has shown that how chitosan interacts with fruit depends on its molecular weight, and chitosan with a higher molecular weight has a better effect on most traits determining fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Engenharia na Agricultura is the property of Engenharia na Agricultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of the study was to evaluate some postharvest parameters of fruit quality at seven strawberry cvs., ('Alba', 'Clery', 'Coral', 'Magic', 'Premial', 'Queen Elisa', 'Record') grown at RIFG Pitești, Romania in open field, in the 2016-2018 period. The storage method included three days in normal refrigeration condition (2-4ºC) followed by one day at room temperature (22-24 ºC). The following parameters were determined before and after storage: fruit weight (g), fruit firmness (kgf/cm2), four color indicators (L*, a*, b*, ∆E) and percent of damaged fruits caused by pathogen. Statistically assured differences were recorded between cultivars. 'Premial' cv. proved the lowest fruit weight loss (0.27 g) and also the lowest fruit firmness loss (0.09 kgf/cm2) after storage. 'Alba' cv. had the highest percentage of healthy fruits after storage (86.4%). After four days storage both early cvs.were marketable.

Fruit texture is a major target of apple (Malus domestica) breeding programs due to its influence on consumer preference. This multitrait feature is typically rated using sensory assessment, which is subjective and prone to biases. Instrumental measurements have predominantly targeted firmness of the outer region of fruit cortex using industry standard Magness–Taylor-type penetrometers, while other metrics remain largely unused. Additionally, there have been limited reports on correlating sensory attributes with instrumental metrics on many diverse apple selections. This report is the first to correlate multiyear historical fruit texture information of instrumental metrics and sensory assessment in an apple breeding program. Through 11 years of routine fruit quality evaluation at the Washington State University apple breeding program, physical textural data of 84,552 fruit acquired from computerized penetrometers were correlated with sensory assessment. Correlations among various instrumental metrics are high (0.63 ≤ r ≤ 1.00; P < 0.0001). In correlating instrumental outputs with sensory data, there is a significant correlation (r = 0.43; P < 0.0001) between the instrumental crispness value and sensory crispness. Additionally, instrumental hardness traits are significantly correlated (0.61 ≤ r ≤ 0.69; P < 0.0001) with sensory hardness. Outputs from two versions of computerized penetrometers were tested and shown to have no statistical differences. Overall, this report demonstrates potential use of instrumental metrics as firmness and crispness estimates for selecting apples of diverse backgrounds in a breeding program. However, in testing a large number and diversity of fruit, experimenters should perform data curation and account for lower limits/thresholds of the instrument.

Wetting agents are commonly applied to golf putting greens to manage soil moisture. Speculation has arisen regarding the influence of wetting agents on golf ball roll distance. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of wetting agents on golf ball roll distance, putting green surface firmness, and volumetric water content in sand-based putting greens. This study was conducted during the 2018 growing season in Jay, FL and Ft. Lauderdale, FL on ‘TifEagle’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis) putting greens. Treatments were applied to plots (2 × 3 m) in a randomized complete block design using four replications, and included seven wetting agents and an untreated turfgrass control. The study area was irrigated at 80% of the previous week’s reference evapotranspiration. Ball roll distance, firmness, and volumetric water content (VWC) were recorded weekly and pooled by month. Wetting agents did not lead to an increase in ball roll distance, firmness, or VWC during any month in Jay or Ft. Lauderdale. Inversely, in Jay, polyoxyalkylene polymer resulted in decreased surface firmness during October and November compared with untreated turfgrass. VWC was reduced as a result of some wetting agents in Ft. Lauderdale in February, September, November, and December, and resulted in no influence on VWC in Jay. The coefficients of determination of surface firmness and ball roll distance in Jay and Ft. Lauderdale were significant (P < 0.001) and were 0.12 and 0.08, respectively. This indicates that ball roll distance can increase as surfaces become firmer. However, this study found no evidence that wetting agents increase ball roll distance on sand-based putting greens.

A robust numerical analysis was proposed for simulating the rebound velocity pendulum method for melon. For considered varieties (Zard-Eyvanekey and Sousky-Sabz varieties), the change in impact parameters (extracted from excitation by pendulum) was studied for five stages of ripening. With the melon ripeness, the rebound velocity, rebound height, relative rebound height, rebound angle, rebound energy and coefficient of restitution (velocity ratio) increased, while the absorbed energy decreased (from 37.6 to 27.9 MJ for Zard-Eyvanekey and from 38.5 to 27.9 MJ for Sousky-Sabz). The regression analysis showed a highly significant linear relationship (coefficient of determination, R² more than 0.8059) between impact parameters and five stages of ripening. So the results of the analysis are feasible in ripening detection and hence in the classification of the melon maturity.

‘Minomusume’ strawberries were stored in high CO2 atmospheres (20%, 30%, and 40%) by means of a controlled atmosphere (CA) and active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for 10 days at 5 °C. The CA of 20% to 40% CO2 was effective in delaying an increase in fungal count and preventing the external formation of mold mycelia, but a CA of >30% CO2 induced black discoloration on the surface of strawberry due to CO2 injury. When strawberry fruit were stored in a MAP flushed with either air or high CO2, all packages approached an equilibrium of ≈20% CO2 and 2% O2 by the end of storage. Fungal counts of strawberry fruit stored in a MAP remained constant throughout the storage period and the diversity of fungal flora was partially similar regardless of the difference in the MAP method. Visual quality (mold incidence and severity of black discoloration) and physicochemical quality (weight loss, firmness, pH, and total ascorbic acid content) were unaffected by CO2 atmospheres as the flushing gas during active MAP storage, except that the fruit in a MAP flushed with 20% and 30% CO2 were firmer than those with air and 40% CO2. After transfer to ambient conditions for 6 days at 10 °C, however, external formation of mold mycelia identified as Botrytis cinerea and surface black discoloration were induced in strawberry fruit in MAP flushed with 30% and 40% CO2.

The stability of yield and quality traits in nine orange-fleshed melon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes was studied over nine environments in south-central Texas (College Station, Uvalde, and Weslaco) over 3 years (2010, 2011, and 2012). Besides yield traits, fruit -quality components such as soluble solids content (SSC), β-carotene, and fruit firmness were also measured. Data were subjected to the combined analysis of variance and trait stability by GGE Biplot. The significant genotype-by-location interactions for yield traits demonstrated the potential to develop location-specific cultivars. However, the temporal fluctuations in productivity emphasized the need to select for stability over several years in potential cultivars for the target environments. Cultivar Mission was confirmed as the most stable and average performing genotype for marketable yield and quality traits at all locations. Uvalde was identified as the ideal location for selecting generally adapted genotypes for south-central Texas. Biplot analysis indicated that Orange Dew was the highest mean performing genotype for SSC. The hybrid Oro Duro, followed by TAMU 146, ranked highest for mean and stability of β-carotene content, but it ranked lowest for fruit firmness. TAMU Orange Casaba exhibited specific adaptation, producing the highest mean fruit yield at Weslaco, while Journey had the highest fruit yield at College Station and Uvalde. Understanding of genotype-by-environment interactions for multiple traits in melon is critical for developing cultivars with high mean performance and stability in target growing environments.

Owing to a limited body of information on perga properties in the literature, the compressive properties of perga were determined in this study using uniaxial compressive tests. Certain mechanical properties such as the failure stress and strain and the modulus of elasticity can be used to evaluate the mechanical behavior of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) perga pellets under static loading. The Andilog Stentor 1000 testing machine (Andilog Technologies, Vitrolles, France) was employed for the uniaxial compression testing conducted. The perga samples considered were tested at different strain rates and loading speeds: four speeds ranging from 10 to 90 mm/min were used to achieve different strain rates. The influence of strain rates on the sample stress state was studied. The nonlinear regression model was tested to account for the stress-strain curves obtained. The loading curves of dependence of the stress on the strain were formed. Different strain rates and loading speeds were found to exert a significant effect on the stress and strain state of the perga samples examined, i.e. their overall firmness.

Breeding for decreased fruit cracking incidence and increased fruit firmness in sweet cherry creates an attractive alternative to variable results from cultural management practices. DNA-informed breeding increases its efficiency, yet upstream research is needed to identify the genomic regions associated with the trait variation of a breeding-relevant magnitude, as well as to identify the parental sources of favorable alleles. The objectives of this research were to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with fruit cracking incidence and firmness, estimate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes at the detected QTLs, and identify the ancestral source(s) of functional haplotypes. Fruit cracking incidence and firmness were evaluated for multiple years on 259 unselected seedlings representing 22 important breeding parents. Phenotypic data, in conjunction with genome-wide genotypic data from the RosBREED cherry 6K SNP array, were used in the QTL analysis performed via Pedigree-Based Analysis using the FlexQTL™ software, supplemented by a Genome-Wide Association Study using the BLINK software. Haplotype analysis was conducted on the QTLs to identify the functional SNP haplotypes and estimate their phenotypic effects, and the haplotypes were tracked through the pedigree. Four QTLs (two per trait) were consistent across the years and/or both analysis methods and validated the previously reported QTLs. qCrack-LG1.1m (the label given to a consistent QTL for cracking incidence on chromosome 1) explained 2–15.1% of the phenotypic variance, while qCrack-LG5.1m, qFirm-LG1.2m, and qFirm-LG3.2m explained 7.6–13.8, 8.8–21.8, and 1.7–10.1% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. At each QTL, at least two SNP haplotypes had significant effects and were considered putative functional SNP haplotypes. Putative low-cracking SNP haplotypes were tracked to an unnamed parent of ‘Emperor Francis’ and ‘Schmidt’ and unnamed parents of ‘Napoleon’ and ‘Hedelfingen,’ among others, and putative high-firmness haplotypes were tracked to an unnamed parent of ‘Emperor Francis’ and ‘Schmidt,’ an unnamed grandparent of ‘Black Republican,’ ‘Rube,’ and an unknown parent of ‘Napoleon.’ These four stable QTLs can now be targeted for DNA test development, with the goal of translating information discovered here into usable tools to aid in breeding decisions.

In the present study, effect of chitosan coating on storage quality of plum fruit (Prunus salicina Lindley. cv. Santa Rosa) was investigated under supermarket conditions during 2013 at ICAR-IARI. After coating the plum fruits with 2% chitosan and water, they were stored at 20±1°C and 90±2% RH for 15 days. Fruit firmness, colour characteristics (hue and chroma), respiration and ethylene evolution rate, physiological loss in weight, antioxidant activity and total phenols were measured along with the activities for pectin methylesterase and malondialdehyde content. Chitosan application resulted in better firmness of fruits, retarded ethylene evolution and respiration rates and least colour changes as compared with the control. Reduction of total phenolics and antioxidant activity were also significantly inhibited by chitosan. Furthermore, fruits coated with chitosan also exhibited a significantly lower pectin methylesterase activity throughout the storage period. Moreover, the production of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced in the coated samples. The results clearly demonstrate that dip treatment of fruits in 2% chitosan could be an effective means to enhance the shelf-life and maintain postharvest quality of Santa Rosa plums during storage.

Biostimulants help plants cope with environmental stresses and improve vegetable yield and quality. This study was conducted to determine the protein hydrolysate (PH) effect of three different durations (weekly applications: three, six, or nine times plus an untreated control) in factorial combination with four soil electrical conductivities (EC: 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 mS·cm−1) on yield, fruit quality, and elemental composition of tomato ‘miniplum’ grown in a greenhouse. Fruit yield was best affected, during the summer, by six and nine biostimulant applications at EC 3.0 mS·cm−1, and in the same season, the six treatments led to the highest fruit number with no difference compared to nine applications; during the winter, the three and six treatments improved the mentioned variables at each EC level. Fruits’ dry residue and Brixo were positively affected by biostimulation both in summer and winter. In summer, the 6.0 mS·cm−1 EC led to the highest dry residue and Brixo values, though the latter did not show any significant difference compared to 4.5 mS·cm−1; in winter, the best results corresponded to 4.5 and 6.0 mS·cm−1. A higher beneficial effect of PH on fruit antioxidant status, i.e., lycopene, polyphenols, ascorbic acid levels, and lipophilic (LAA) and hydrophilic (HAA) activity, was recorded in winter compared with summer. Positive correlations between polyphenols and LAA, as well as ascorbic acid content and HAA were found for all EC and PH treatments. Most of the mineral elements tested demonstrated concentration stability, whereas the highest EC decreased P, Mg, Cu, and Se accumulation. The opposite effect was shown by PH application on Se and Mn levels, with P tending to increase. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Cu were the lowest under the longest duration of PH supply. These results further confirm the essential role of plant biostimulation in enhancing tomato yield and quality, with a particular focus on the treatment duration.

This study evaluated the physiochemical changes of one commercial European pear variety ‘Conference’ and one Asian pear variety ‘Yali’ during 60 days of storage at 1 °C. Content of organic acids, ethylene and formation of CO2 were determined using HPLC/UV-VIS and GC/FID and TCD detectors, respectively. This study presents an evaluation of the influence of the above-mentioned factors and long-term storage on quality parameters, including the antioxidant capacity of an important European and Asian pear cultivar. There was a significant effect of temperature on respiration rate in both varieties. Development of the respiration intensity had a similar course in European and Asian pears. The high values of CO2 production at the beginning of storage for the variety ‘Conference’ (14.08 mg·kg−1·h−1) and ‘Yali’ (23.37 mg·kg−1·h−1) were followed by a sharp decline of 80% and 83% at later stages of storage at 1 °C, respectively. Ethylene formation in fruit increased with storage time and was the highest after 60 days in cold storage, especially in ‘Yali’ (7.14 µL·kg−1·h−1). The results show the relation between ethylene formation and ripening-related fruit parameters. The ‘Yali’ variety showed negligible changes in soluble solids content and flesh firmness during storage ranging from 0.35 to 0.60 MPa. The most represented sugar determined enzymatically was fructose and malic acid was the dominant organic acid in pear fruit. Antioxidant activity determined using the FRAP and DPPH methods did not change significantly during 60 days of storage.

‘Lemonato’ is a Greek peach melting-flesh white-flesh cultivar with high nutritional value highly appreciated by the consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest foliar calcium application on fruit quality, primary metabolite profile, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and phenolic profile of the ‘Lemonato’ peach, clone ‘Stamatis’. The experiment was conducted for two years, 2019 and 2020, in two commercial orchards at Kato Lehonia and Agios Vlasios regions, central Greece, where the ‘Lemonato’ clone ‘Stamatis’ is traditionally cultivated. The treatments were organic calcium (Ca), calcium–silicate in nanoparticles (Ca–Si), and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Foliar application of the different Ca formulations, commonly used as a horticultural practice, were not effective at improving the fruit quality characteristics in this clone, which is characterized by fruit softening during ripening. The study revealed the sugars and organic acid composition and phenolic profile of the ‘Lemonato’ peach, clone ‘Stamatis’. Peach fruit quality, primary metabolites, and phenolic compounds of the two orchards showed a different response to organic Ca and Ca–Si, indicating that genetic or environmental factors may also be involved. A higher concentration of organic Ca and CaCl2 increased the peach fruit phenolic compounds content and the total antioxidant activity, improving the fruit nutritional quality.

This study aimed to assess the influence of taro mucilage (TM) and black seed oil (BSO) as an edible coating to extend guava fruits’ shelf-life and quality attributes. Four different edible coatings were applied, namely, T1 (1% TM + 0.75% glycerol + 0.5% BSO), T2 (5% TM + 0.75% glycerol + 0.5% BSO), T3 (0.75% glycerol + 0.5% BSO), and T4 (1% chitosan + 0.75% glycerol + 0.5% BSO). Different quality parameters, including weight loss, surface color, firmness, chlorophyll, vitamin C, phenolic content, antioxidant, malondialdehyde, and microbial load, were measured at a regular interval. Significant differences were observed between the coated and uncoated (control) fruits. Compared to the control fruit, weight loss was decreased in all the treated fruits, and T2 treatment retained the highest weight compared to other treatments. Fruits treated with T2 and T4 treatments retained high levels of vitamin C throughout the storage period. After 9 days, T4 treatment showed the lowest increase of microbial growth compared to other treatments. At the end of the storage period, results showed that the sample treated with 5% mucilage retained a higher level of polyphenol, antioxidant, and vitamin C content. Furthermore, the addition of BSO improved the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of coated guava. The results of this study indicate that a polysaccharide-based edible coating mixed with BSO improved the quality parameters and extended the shelf-life.

The production of tomato under low-temperature stress in the open fields is a challenge faced by many farmers. The current study compares the use of different ethylene treatments to accelerate the fruit ripening of tomato during two successive seasons under cold stress. The treatments included foliar application of ethrel (2500, 5000, and 7500 ppm) in the open field at the mature green stage, dipping collected fruits in ethrel solution (1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) right after harvest, and application of gaseous ethylene (100, 200, and 300 ppm) to the harvested fruits. The effects were compared to untreated fruits (control). Characteristics, such as physical properties (ripening, weight loss, firmness, decay, and fruit color), chemical properties (ascorbic acid, acidity, total soluble sugars, and pigments), and enzymatic activities (polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase), were sampled throughout the storage period. In general, the ethylene gas application was the most effective method in accelerating the fruit ripening process compared to the other methods applied. The highest vitamin C total soluble solid contents and redness parameters were found after applying the highest dose of ethylene gas (300 ppm). This indicates that the ripening of tomato fruits, which are cultivated under cold stress conditions as found during the early summer season in a Mediterranean climate, might be harvested at a mature green stage and exposed to ethylene application.

It is well known that the harvesting period and the storage duration have a significant effect on the quality characteristics of cherry tomato fruits. On the other hand, the effect of the fruit position in the truss has not been studied, as well as the relative contribution of each one of these factors on fruit quality. For this purpose, cherry tomato (Genio F1) whole trusses were harvested at the fruit red ripe stage during three periods. At each harvesting period, the first four (at the base of the truss) and the last four (at the top) fruits from each truss that was previously trimmed to 10 fruits, were stored at 12 °C for 0, 4 and 10 days. At the end of each storage duration, the external color, firmness, antioxidant capacity, pH and titratable acidity, as well as dry matter, soluble solid, total soluble phenol, lycopene, total carotenoid and β-carotene content, were determined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the harvesting period had the most significant effect on skin color parameters L * and C * and β-carotene, as well as on antioxidant capacity, total soluble phenols, dry matter and total soluble solids, while it also had an appreciable effect on titratable acidity. The storage duration had a dominant effect on firmness, total carotenoids and lycopene, while it had an appreciable effect on skin color parameter L * as well. On the other hand, the fruit position in the truss exerted an exclusive effect on ho and a */b * ratio skin color parameters and pH and an appreciable effect on titratable acidity.

Understanding the fundamental light-sample interaction process is a crucial step toward the development of vibrational spectroscopy to determine fruit texture (i.e., firmness). This study aimed to investigate the effect of pectin constitution, including total pectin, water-soluble pectin, protopectin contents, and protopectin index ( PI ), on the optical properties and firmness of 'Baifeng' and 'Xiahui 8' peach flesh at the different softening degrees during postharvest storage of 6 days at 20 °C. The firmness of 'Baifeng' and 'Xiahui 8' peaches significantly ( p < 0.05) changed with a decreasing rate from 90.3% to 92.2%. Peach firmness of these two cultivars correlated well with PI contents ( r > 0.912) and showed good internal correlations with optical scattering properties. The light absorption coefficient ( μ a ) and reduced scattering coefficient ( μ' s ) at 600-1600 nm were measured using a single integrating sphere system combined with an inversion algorithm. This relationship of μ a and μ' s with peach firmness and pectin constitution was first analyzed. Notably, the specific μ' s at 660 nm, 950 nm, 1203 nm, and 1453 nm showed a satisfactory prediction of peach firmness and PI of 'Xiahui 8' ( R 2 ≥ 0.764), respectively. Furthermore, the prediction models were established based on partial least squares regression coupled with optical properties, and considerable prediction performances were obtained for tissue firmness ( R 2 ≥ 0.764), respectively. Furthermore, the prediction models were established based on partial least squares regression coupled with optical properties, and considerable prediction performances were obtained for tissue firmness ( R p 2 ≥ 0.802). Consequently, these results further verified that the spectroscopic prediction model for peach firmness could be related to the high correlations between PI in tissues and their optical scattering properties. Future research interests could include the development of optical absorption and scattering sensors for rapid and efficient determination of peach firmness.μ' s ( R p 2 ≥ 0.802). Consequently, these results further verified that the spectroscopic prediction model for peach firmness could be related to the high correlations between PI in tissues and their optical scattering properties. Future research interests could include the development of optical absorption and scattering sensors for rapid and efficient determination of peach firmness.

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is among the most-consumed soft fruit and has been recognized as an important source of health-promoting compounds. Highly perishable and susceptible to rapid spoilage due to fruit softening and decay during postharvest storage, modern breeding programs are looking to maximize the quality and extend the market life of fresh blueberries. However, it is uncertain how genetically controlled postharvest quality traits are in blueberries. This study aimed to investigate the prediction ability and the genetic basis of the main fruit quality traits affected during blueberry postharvest to create breeding strategies for developing cultivars with an extended shelf life. To achieve this goal, we carried out target genotyping in a breeding population of 588 individuals and evaluated several fruit quality traits after 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 7 weeks of postharvest storage at 1°C. Using longitudinal genome-based methods, we estimated genetic parameters and predicted unobserved phenotypes. Our results showed large diversity, moderate heritability, and consistent predictive accuracies along the postharvest storage for most of the traits. Regarding the fruit quality, firmness showed the largest variation during postharvest storage, with a surprising number of genotypes maintaining or increasing their firmness, even after 7 weeks of cold storage. Our results suggest that we can effectively improve the blueberry postharvest quality through breeding and use genomic prediction to maximize the genetic gains in the long term. We also emphasize the potential of using longitudinal genomic prediction models to predict the fruit quality at extended postharvest periods by integrating known phenotypic data from harvest., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Genetics Society of America.)

Background: The changes in the physical structures of the products are the first things that consumers pay attention to. Therefore, it is essential and significant importance to take measures to improve the storage conditions of products and to minimize quality losses. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of agro-ecological conditions on bioactive compounds and fruit quality of kiwifruit during cold storage. The 'Hayward' kiwifruit cultivar grown in Ordu, Giresun, Samsun, Rize, and Yalova provinces of Türkiye were kept at 0 ± 0.5 °C and relative humidity of 90 ± 5% for 150 d., Results: The kiwifruit obtained from the provinces of Yalova, Ordu, and Giresun experienced the least weight loss during cold storage. Kiwifruit from Samsun and Yalova provinces had the lowest fruit firmness, while those from Giresun had the highest on 150th d. The changes were observed in the skin and flesh colors of the kiwifruit belonging to all cultivation areas. The amount of vitamin C increased throughout the study in all ecological conditions, but the Yalova province's kiwifruit was found to have the highest levels. Additionally, in all ecologies, kiwifruit showed an increase in antioxidant activity, total phenolics, and total flavonoids, all known to have beneficial effects on human health. The total antioxidant activity and total phenolics were highest in the kiwifruit of Yalova province, but the total flavonoids were found in the kiwifruit of Rize and Ordu provinces., Conclusion: The study's results revealed that kiwifruit's bioactive compounds and quality parameters may vary depending on the cultivation area. Additionally, it can be stated that Yalova province kiwifruit experiences the least amount of postharvest quality losses., (© 2024. The Author(s).)